Giant-rooted native vine spotted growing wild in Tennessee
iNaturalist: alyssa82137
Native Plants
If you've seen a vine with huge white, purple-throated trumpet flowers sprawling over a fence or roadside ditch, this native species with a root that can weigh several pounds might be why your neighbor's yard keeps 'growing back' no matter how much they pull it.
Wild potato vine is a native plant related to morning glories, known for its big white flowers with a purple center and a massive underground root that can weigh many pounds. Someone spotted and photographed one growing along a road in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and other naturalists confirmed the identification, making it a verified 'research-grade' sighting. It's a small but useful data point for tracking where this hardy native still grows in developed areas.
Key Findings
Observation was verified as 'research-grade' on iNaturalist, meaning the species ID was confirmed by the community.
Location recorded as Emory Valley Rd, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, a developed roadside setting.
Species is Ipomoea pandurata, a perennial vine in the morning glory family native to eastern North America.
chevron_right Technical Summary
A native vine called wild potato vine was confirmed growing along a roadside in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, with photos verified by other naturalists on iNaturalist. It's a reminder that native morning glory relatives with giant edible-looking roots still thrive in disturbed urban edges.
Abstract Preview
Original paper
wild potato vine (Ipomoea pandurata) observed in Emory Valley Rd, Oak Ridge, TN, US
Research-grade observation of wild potato vine in Emory Valley Rd, Oak Ridge, TN, US.
open_in_new Read full abstractAbstract copyright held by the original publisher.
Species Mentioned
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Ipomoea pandurata, known as man of the earth, wild potato vine, manroot, wild sweet potato, is a species of herbaceous perennial vine native to North America. It is a twining plant of woodland verges and rough places with heart-shaped leaves and funnel-shaped white flowers with a pinkish throat. ...